Kiltegan: Gardens, History and Hotels

Patthana Garden and Humewood Castle give Kiltegan two distinct qualities: garden care and planting design sit alongside Gothic Revival architecture and historical connections.

Patthana Garden

Patthana Garden is in the village of Kiltegan and is the garden of artist and painter TJ Maher. During the garden season, groups of 15 or more can visit the garden and take a tour with TJ Maher by prior appointment. If you are planning this seasonal group offer, arrange your visit in advance.

The Inner Garden features a circular lawn with two island beds. Surrounding borders of perennials, trees and shrubs give the garden its structure. Patthana Garden is managed ecologically and features many plants that attract wildlife. Both its spatial layout and ecological approach are part of the garden’s character.

Humewood Castle

Humewood Castle in Kiltegan is associated with the surrender in 1803 of Michael Dwyer, the famous Wicklow rebel leader, to Mr. Hume, the Member of Parliament for County Wicklow. A detached, multi-bay country house in the Gothic Revival style, it has sections of two, three and four storeys. It was built in 1867–1870 to designs by William White (1825–1900) and extended in 1873–1877 to designs by James Brooks (1825–1901). The 1803 historical connection predates the construction and extension of the house, so the themes associated with the castle span two distinct periods.

South West Wicklow Heritage Trail

On the South West Wicklow Heritage Trail, Kiltegan is one of the village highlights. This focus on the village differs from the individual themes of Patthana Garden and Humewood Castle: it places the village in a broader heritage context.

County Wicklow: Nature, Trails and Garden Culture

County Wicklow offers other themes related to nature and history. Saint Kevin founded Glendalough as a monastery in County Wicklow in the 6th century. The remains of the Monastic City include a round tower, numerous medieval stone churches and carved crosses. Wicklow Mountains National Park covers 20,000 hectares and is an important recreational area for locals and tourists.

County Wicklow has more than 50 walking trails, which can be selected by length, location, type, theme and difficulty. The Wicklow Way was Ireland’s first waymarked long-distance trail. The trail selection may change as routes are added or adjusted, so check the current overview before planning.

Garden and plant culture are also part of County Wicklow. There was a monastery at Kilmacurragh in the 7th century. A 21-hectare part of the former Kilmacurragh Demesne became part of the National Botanic Gardens of Ireland in 1996. Rhododendron Week at Kilmacurragh takes place each year in April; check the event dates before your trip. Mount Usher Gardens in the village of Ashford, County Wicklow, cover 22 acres along the River Vartry and are an example of Robinsonian-style planting.

Another County Wicklow attraction is Beyond the Trees Avondale. The 1.4 km treetop walkway ends at a 38 m-high viewing tower with panoramic views over the Wicklow Mountains, the Avonmore River and the Vale of Avoca. A 90 m spiral slide leads down from the viewing tower. As operating details may change, check the latest information before visiting.

For the wider travel overview: County Wicklow.